Indian hockey team beat Japan 8-0 in their 9-16th place classification match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023

The Indian hockey team beat Japan 8-0 in their 9-16th place classification match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Thursday.

Mandeep Singh (32’), Abhishek (35’, 43’), Vivek Sagar Prasad (39′) and Harmanpreet Singh (45’, 58’), Manpreet Singh (58’) and Sukhjeet Singh (59’) scored the goals for India.

India, whose title hopes ended after a loss to New Zealand in the crossovers in their last match, looked to start the match on the frontfoot and dominated possession. Japan, despite being the second-best for possession stats early on, moved the ball quickly and it made for an entertaining display on the field.

The two big chances of the first quarter fell India’s way in the final few minutes. Rajkumar Pal first hit the outside of the post with a reverse hit before Abhishek was denied by Japan goalkeeper Takashi Yashikawa.

Japan flew off the blocks in the second quarter and forced three good saves from Indian custodian PR Sreejesh. Akashdeep also tested Yashikawa at the other end with a powerful hit.

Both team’s goalkeepers featured heavily in the quarter with ample chances at both ends. Neither, though, put a foot wrong and ensured the half-time hooter sounded with the scoreline 0-0.

Two minutes into the third quarter, India won a penalty corner and captain Harmanpreet Singh laid it off for Mandeep Singh to divert in the opening goal of the match. Three minutes later, Abhishek doubled India’s lead after finishing off a well-executed team goal.

Vivek Sagar Prasad scored India’s third goal. The Japanese defence managed to block out India’s PC but Prasad latched onto the loose ball and rifled it home. Abhishek piled on the misery for Japan and made it 4-0 just before the quarter ended.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh (2), Sukhjeet Singh and Manpreet Singh got on the scoresheet in the final quarter as India completed a 8-0 rout.

India will play South Africa next in the 9th-12th place classification match on Saturday.

India vs Japan, FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 score and result

• Match: 9-16th place classification
• Score: India 8-0 Japan (full-time)
• Goal scorers: India – Mandeep Singh 32′, Abhishek 35′, 43’, Vivek Sagar Prasad 39′, Harmanpreet Singh 45’, 58’, Manpreet Singh 58’, Sukhjeet Singh 59’; Japan – NA
• Venue: Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela
• Player of the Match: Abhishek